THE RECENT tragedy in Guimaras, where Police Staff Sergeant Mechael Gatinao lost his life during an anti-illegal fishing operation, casts a somber light on the risks faced by law enforcement officers tasked with safeguarding our waters. Sergeant Gatinao’s untimely death is a painful reminder that even as our police personnel confront criminal activities at sea, their own safety must never be compromised. This incident should prompt a reevaluation of the safety protocols governing maritime operations, with a focus on preventing such tragedies from happening again.
The Regional Maritime Unit 6’s (RMU-6) decision to offer seaborne training for territorial police personnel is a timely response. However, more than just basic training is needed. It is crucial that maritime patrol teams be equipped with proper safety gear, including body cameras, life jackets, and the necessary tools to handle emergency situations such as a fall overboard. While it is heartening to hear that RMU-6 will cover these topics in upcoming sessions, enforcement of safety standards must be consistent and non-negotiable across all units.
The use of body cameras, as emphasized by regional police director Brigadier General Jack Wanky, should be a standard requirement, especially during nighttime patrols. These are not just a tool for documenting operations; they also serve as a vital instrument in enhancing officer safety. When utilized correctly, body cameras can provide real-time data that helps monitor patrol activities and track any emergency situations in remote areas. The absence of such safety tools, as revealed in the Guimaras incident, is a breach that must be rectified moving forward.
The mandatory use of life jackets is another protocol that cannot be stressed enough. It is alarming that an officer could be lost at sea without such a fundamental piece of equipment. Sea patrols, by nature, are fraught with inherent dangers – unpredictable weather, rough waters, and unstable vessels make the stakes high. In such an environment, the safety of the officers should be the primary concern. Police commanders must enforce the strict use of life jackets and ensure that every officer is outfitted with gear that meets modern safety standards.
As we mourn the loss of Sergeant Gatinao, we must also learn from the circumstances that led to his death. Investigations into potential procedural lapses should be thorough, with results used to inform future safety measures. This tragedy should propel local law enforcement to take the necessary steps to better protect their personnel in dangerous maritime environments.
Those who serve to protect our seas should safely return to their families at the end of their watch. The fight against illegal fishing, while vital to our marine ecosystem and local economies, should never come at the cost of human lives. Sergeant Gatinao’s sacrifice reminds us that safety should always come first – and it is up to the responsible authorities to ensure that this principle is never forgotten.
